Maryland leaders urge more action for asylum seekers

Baltimore has growing population of political asylum seekers

The Obama administration wants to clear the way for 100,000 Syrian refugees emigrate to the United States by 2017, and some Maryland officials are urging more to be done. Baltimore has a rich history of accepting refugees and those seeking asylum. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and 17 of her peers recently sent the president a letter urging him to welcome even more people into their cities. Sen. Ben Cardin led a round table discussion about the issue Friday at Catholic Relief Services in downtown Baltimore. They focused on ways to change U.S. law to streamline the process.

The Obama administration wants to clear the way for 100,000 Syrian refugees emigrate to the United States by 2017, and some Maryland officials are urging more to be done.

Baltimore has a rich history of accepting refugees and those seeking asylum. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and 17 of her peers recently sent the president a letter urging him to welcome even more people into their cities.

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Sen. Ben Cardin led a round table discussion about the issue Friday at Catholic Relief Services in downtown Baltimore. They focused on ways to change U.S. law to streamline the process.

"Why should we make it more challenging? We should be welcoming," Cardin said.

Friday's meeting resembled a mini United Nations gathering. Representatives from refugee service organizations and faith leaders told Cardin that Congress needs to step up, overhaul immigration laws and provide more money and resources.

"It's about protecting families. It's about people who are at risk, saving their lives, literally, and making sure their safety is first. We are having a humanitarian crisis right now, so let's take care of those who have been victimized," Cardin said.

Service organizations explained security and cultural challenges that refugees face in part because they have radically different world views than Americans. Catholic Relief Services works around the world to help stabilize communities.

"What we are trying to do is provide them the opportunity to live a secure and productive life where they are. That's why we are asking the federal government to fund development assistance overseas so those people have the opportunity to stay in those countries and not forced to come here," said Sean Callahan, chief operating officer of Catholic Relief Services.

Baltimore has a growing population of those seeking political asylum. Although they are here legally, experts said it takes too long for them to get work authorization, something Congress could change.

"So they are here a long time without any means to support themselves, without any government benefits, and it really throws the women and men into crisis," said Molly Corbett, executive director of Asylee Women Enterprise, an organization that provides assistance to women seeking asylum.

Although the mayor and most of the Maryland Congressional delegation is welcoming Syrians, none of those refugees are in Maryland. Cardin said there are only 1,400 currently in the United States.